Selecting the ideal dog for your lifestyle can be a challenge, especially with the vast variety of breeds available. This blog post breaks down the key advantages and disadvantages of dogs based on their size—small, medium, large, and giant.
The dog is often referred to as “man’s best friend,” and we are so used to seeing them everywhere that we sometimes forget just how extraordinary they are. For example, dogs as a species display the greatest variations of any living creature on the planet. No other animal shows such a wide variety of breeds as the dog, which can make choosing the perfect one quite a challenge.
If you’ve spent days wondering which dog would be best for you and your family, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you discover the pros and cons of dogs based on their size, narrowing down your search for your new best friend.
Small Dogs
Height: under 35 cm
Weight: under 10 kg
Small dogs are like children: they take up little space, love to be pampered, and enjoy cuddling next to you. They are very affectionate and require less food compared to larger breeds. Plus, they are easy to transport, which is why you’ll often see them being carried in handbags.
Another key trait of small dogs is that they are often quite noisy and can become aggressive easily. Despite their small size, their loud barking makes them surprisingly effective guard dogs—at least for alerting you. However, they can be overly sensitive, barking at nearly anything that moves.
Medium Dogs
Height: between 35 and 50 cm
Weight: between 10 and 24 kg
Medium-sized dogs are incredibly loving and have been bred over centuries to meet the needs of families (as hunting dogs, guard dogs, etc.). They offer a balanced combination of traits that might be just right for you. These dogs are active enough to keep you engaged but don’t require as much outdoor time as larger breeds.
Large Dogs
Height: between 50 and 65 cm
Weight: between 25 and 49 kg
The main need of large dogs is space. If you live in an apartment, it’s better to consider a medium or small breed. A large dog may feel confined in a small space, and over time, this could impact their quality of life.
Another crucial aspect of large dogs is food. These dogs eat a lot, and the cost of maintaining them can become quite high. However, their main advantage is their ferocity (whether real or perceived), which can provide a sense of protection for their owner.
Giant Dogs
Height: over 65 cm
Weight: over 50 kg
These dogs earn their name because they are true giants. They already look big when standing on all fours, but when they stand on their hind legs, you can fully appreciate their extraordinary size.
Giant dogs need plenty of space and a lot of food. Paradoxically, when it comes to physical exercise, they are often quite lazy, and as for aggression, they tend to be more gentle than fierce. However, giant dogs can be difficult to handle, so if this is your first dog, it might be better to start with a smaller breed until you learn how to manage a large four-legged friend effectively.
Now that you know the main characteristics of dogs based on their size, it should be much easier to choose the perfect companion for you.
